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Empathica by Unreqvited, released 22 May 2020
1. Empathica I: Heart of the Spectral Mountains
2. Empathica II: Everwinter
3. Empathica III: Innocence
4. Crystal Cascade
5. Snowspirits of the Arcane
6. The Permafrost
7. Dreamer's Hideaway
"Overall, the composer here who shall remain anonymous raises the roof here with “Empathica” to impossible heights. He is very structured in the way he composes the music but that is nearly preposterous when you consider the amount of layers he uses along with the sheer number of different instruments. Gorgeous melodies abound…to the point that is nearly overwhelms you. I
Empathica by Unreqvited, released 22 May 2020
1. Empathica I: Heart of the Spectral Mountains
2. Empathica II: Everwinter
3. Empathica III: Innocence
4. Crystal Cascade
5. Snowspirits of the Arcane
6. The Permafrost
7. Dreamer's Hideaway
"Overall, the composer here who shall remain anonymous raises the roof here with “Empathica” to impossible heights. He is very structured in the way he composes the music but that is nearly preposterous when you consider the amount of layers he uses along with the sheer number of different instruments. Gorgeous melodies abound…to the point that is nearly overwhelms you. I haven’t been moved by an album like this so far in 2020, and at nearly half way through the year it has to be mentioned as a contender for album of the year." 10/10
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"A mysterious entity called Unreqvited has brought upon me an otherworldly creation titled “Empathica”. It contains most of the elements that define symphonic black metal, namely blasting drums, monotonous riffs, low-fi sound mixing and of course, symphonic elements. But the way they are put together will take anyone by surprise. It is not the metal component that stands in the forefront of their sound, but the orchestration. It is calming, light, refreshing and melodic. The substance they’ve given to the sound is really organic and beautifully textured to have the listener sink into the mood of the music to an almost tangible experience and it is without a doubt the atmosphere that was their main goal." 9/10
- metal-observer.com
"Empathica is moving not only in the way that it makes me feel but also in the way that the compositions constantly move. The way that the instruments all weave into each other, and the innumerable layers of sound just work together. The ebbs and flows of the soundscape capture and enthrall. This is really a beautiful work of art, and I want to see Unreqvited push this style even further because I know that they can." 9.3/10
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"As every other chapter before it, Empathica transports listeners to an immersive setting drenched with lush guitars and ethereal melodies, contrasted by signature black metal howls to create a seamless blend of serene aggression. It's a towering composition that instills glory with each vibrating string, uplifting and unfolding with each consecutive listen. You could categorize Empathica in various different ways, including atmospheric black metal and symphonic blackgaze, but each fails to capture the emotion that transpires with every passing minute."
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"Unreqvited releases a ton of music, especially as of late, but this anonymous solo project hasn't diluted any of the quality that goes into the evocative brand of blackgaze they emit. I'll be honest, I don't listen to much blackgaze, but when I do, I want it to be good... and Unreqvited has been proving a point for a while now, that this style can be damn great. Empathica is beautiful and energized and, ultimately, a thing of beauty."
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"...an exercise in radiant winter surrealism; a display of shimmering, brilliant soundscapes both pristine and vast, harnessing the particular elevating, epiphanic sorrow that only UNREQVITED can materialize."
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"For all this, along with the fantastically hazy and flexible production, Empathica is a record worthy of its lofty descriptions; it is emotive, free-flowing, and succinct. It doesn’t just balance all its elements— it melts them together into an ethereal journey that it’s album cover accurately reflects with its high peaks and vibrant colors. It’s not your local elitist’s black metal, and it doesn’t want to be."
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Release date: 20 May 2020
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